Introduction
Feeling that craving for authentic Mexican food? Vancouver might not be Mexico, but it’s home to a surprisingly vibrant and delicious Mexican food scene. From bustling taquerias serving up street-style delights to elegant restaurants showcasing refined regional dishes, Vancouver’s culinary landscape offers a diverse taste of Mexico. But with so many options, where do you even begin?
This guide will take you on a culinary journey to discover the best Mexican restaurants, taquerias, and hidden gems in Vancouver, British Columbia. Whether you’re after mouthwatering tacos overflowing with flavorful fillings, deeply satisfying enchiladas swimming in rich sauce, or something entirely unique like slow-cooked cochinita pibil, Vancouver has something to satisfy every palate. We’ll cover where to find the best tacos in the city, dive into the world of enchiladas and burritos, explore upscale dining experiences, and discover the best spots for a lively Mexican cantina experience. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled adventure!
Best Tacos in Vancouver
Let’s be honest, tacos are often the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Mexican food, and for good reason! These handheld delights are incredibly versatile, offering a seemingly endless combination of fillings, toppings, and flavors. From the iconic al pastor, marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, to succulent carne asada, grilled steak, and the ever-popular fish taco, the possibilities are truly limitless. Finding the perfect taco is a personal journey, but these Vancouver spots consistently deliver top-notch quality and authentic flavor.
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop
La Taqueria has become a Vancouver institution for good reason. With multiple locations across the city, they offer a consistent, high-quality taco experience that’s both affordable and delicious. Their focus is on traditional, authentic Mexican flavors, and they use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Don’t miss their carnitas taco, featuring slow-cooked pork that’s incredibly tender and flavorful. Their vegetarian options are also excellent, with creative combinations that even meat-eaters will enjoy. Expect a lively atmosphere and often a line, especially during peak hours, but trust us, it’s worth the wait. Their various locations make it easy to grab a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Sal y Limon
Another Vancouver favorite, Sal y Limon offers a slightly different vibe than La Taqueria, with a more casual, almost cafeteria-style setting. However, don’t let the humble decor fool you – their tacos are seriously good. They have an extensive menu of taco fillings, from classics like lengua (beef tongue) and cabeza (beef head) to more adventurous options like huitlacoche (corn fungus) – a true delicacy! Their prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a great option for a quick and budget-friendly meal. They also offer a range of other Mexican specialties, including tortas (Mexican sandwiches) and quesadillas. The portions are generous, so come hungry! Their horchata (rice milk) is also a must-try!
Tacofino
While Tacofino started as a humble food truck in Tofino (a surfing paradise on Vancouver Island), they’ve expanded to multiple locations in Vancouver, bringing their unique brand of “Baja-inspired” tacos to the city. Their fish tacos are legendary, featuring crispy battered fish, creamy chipotle mayo, and fresh cabbage slaw. They also offer a range of other creative taco fillings, including tuna tataki and vegetarian options. Tacofino’s atmosphere is always buzzing, and their margaritas are the perfect accompaniment to their delicious tacos. While their prices are slightly higher than some other taco spots, the quality and creativity of their offerings make it worth the splurge. They also have some great happy hour deals!
Best Enchiladas and Burritos in Vancouver
Beyond tacos, Mexican cuisine boasts a wealth of other delectable dishes, and enchiladas and burritos are certainly among the most satisfying. A great enchilada should have perfectly tender tortillas, a flavorful filling, and a generous amount of sauce that’s both rich and complex. A burrito, on the other hand, should be packed with delicious ingredients, well-seasoned, and expertly wrapped to ensure every bite is a flavor explosion. These Vancouver restaurants excel at creating both enchiladas and burritos that are truly memorable.
Bandidas Taqueria
Bandidas Taqueria offers completely vegetarian and vegan takes on Mexican favorites. Their enchiladas are legendary. Expect fresh local produce as their base ingredients. For those looking for vegan options, Bandidas is a must-try. Their burritos are packed with flavor and are very large!
Los Amigos Taqueria
A family-run taqueria that serves delicious and authentic Mexican fare. One of their most popular dishes is the Enchiladas Suizas, savory chicken enchiladas topped with a tangy tomatillo sauce and melted cheese. They also make a great burrito stuffed with your choice of meat, rice, beans, and other toppings.
The Mexican Antojitos Y Cantina
This restaurant offers a wide range of Mexican dishes and drinks. Their famous “super burrito” is a must-try for anybody who loves a big bite of food. It’s packed with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. It can also be topped with your choice of meat.
Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants
Mexican cuisine is often associated with casual, street-style fare, but there’s also a sophisticated side to it that deserves to be explored. These upscale Mexican restaurants in Vancouver offer a refined dining experience, showcasing innovative dishes, premium ingredients, and impeccable service. Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food – these restaurants will redefine your expectations.
La Mezcaleria
Located in the heart of Gastown, La Mezcaleria offers a sophisticated take on traditional Mexican flavors, with a focus on Oaxacan cuisine. The restaurant is known for its impressive selection of mezcal, a smoky agave spirit that’s perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails. Their menu features innovative dishes like tlayudas (large, crispy tortillas topped with various ingredients), mole negro (a complex sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices), and chapulines (grasshoppers), for the adventurous eater. The ambiance is chic and modern, making it a great spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The price point is higher than your average Mexican restaurant, but the quality and creativity of the food justify the cost.
Chancho Tortilleria
Chancho Tortilleria is a cozy restaurant that specializes in authentic Mexican flavours. Their menu includes dishes such as handmade tortillas, tacos, carnitas, beans, and rice. If you’re looking to dine at a sophisticated restaurant in Vancouver Chancho Tortilleria is a great spot to visit.
Best Mexican Cantinas and Bars
Sometimes, all you need is a cold margarita, some tasty snacks, and a lively atmosphere to unwind after a long day. These Mexican cantinas and bars in Vancouver offer the perfect setting for a fun night out with friends. Expect vibrant decor, happy hour deals, and a menu of classic Mexican appetizers and drinks.
The Shameful Tiki Room (Technically Polynesian, but a similar vibe)
Okay, this isn’t *strictly* Mexican, but The Shameful Tiki Room captures the same fun, escapist spirit as a great cantina. With its over-the-top Polynesian decor, strong cocktails, and shareable plates, it’s a fantastic place to let loose and enjoy yourself. Their cocktail menu is extensive and inventive, and they offer a range of pupus (Polynesian appetizers) that are perfect for sharing. Expect a lively atmosphere and often a wait, especially on weekends, but it’s worth it for the unique experience.
Don Oso Mexican Kitchen & Cantina
Don Oso offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying delicious Mexican cuisine and drinks with friends and family. Expect fresh local seafood options. They pride themselves on using high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to bring you an authentic Mexican dining experience.
Regional Specialties
Mexican cuisine is far more diverse than many people realize, with each region boasting its own unique culinary traditions and specialties. Exploring these regional dishes is a great way to deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of Mexican food.
Mole Poblano (Various Restaurants, Call Ahead to Check Availability)
Mole poblano, originating from the state of Puebla, is a rich, complex sauce made with chilies, chocolate, spices, and nuts. It’s typically served with chicken or turkey and is a true labor of love to prepare. Finding a restaurant that makes authentic mole poblano can be a challenge, so it’s best to call ahead to check availability. The depth of flavor in a well-made mole poblano is truly incredible – a must-try for any serious foodie.
Cochinita Pibil (Often Found as a Taco Filling)
Cochinita pibil is a slow-roasted pork dish from the Yucatan Peninsula, marinated in achiote paste (a reddish-orange condiment made from annatto seeds), citrus juices, and spices. The pork is traditionally cooked in a pit oven, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. You’ll often find cochinita pibil as a taco filling in Vancouver taquerias, and it’s definitely worth seeking out. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors is simply irresistible.
Conclusion
From bustling taquerias to elegant restaurants, Vancouver’s Mexican food scene offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving authentic tacos, satisfying enchiladas, or a sophisticated dining experience, you’re sure to find something to tantalize your taste buds. We’ve highlighted some of the best spots in the city, but the only way to truly discover your own favorites is to get out there and explore!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your friends and embark on a delicious Mexican food adventure in Vancouver! Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below. Happy eating! Consider creating your own Mexican Food Crawl and sampling food and drinks from as many spots as possible.
